Yarn handling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A manually operable yarn handling apparatus adapted to initially pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high speed and high tension. The apparatus includes a nozzle tube having an open forward end adapted to aspirate the yarn end thereinto, and an outlet tube coaxially aligned with the rear end of the nozzle tube to define an annular orifice therebetween. An air supply arrangement is provided for directing pressurized air through the orifice to create a suction in the nozzle tube, and means is provided for manually varying the spacing between the nozzle tube and outlet tube between a first position designed to aspirate the yarn end and a second position designed to tension the yarn.

United States Patent 1 Sept. 12, 1972 Porter [54] YARN HANDLING APPARATUS [72] Inventor: William D. Porter, Asheville, N.C.

[73] Assignee: Northrop Carolina, Inc.,

Asheville, N.C.

[22] Filed: May 3, 1971 211 Appl. No.: 139,663

[52] US. Cl ..226/97 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65h 17/32 [58] Field of Search ..226l97, 91, 92; 28/l.4

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,156,395 11/1964 Ashby ..226/97 X 3,449,805 6/1969 Lubach ..28/ 1.4

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Schacher Attorney-Parrott, Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson [57] ABSTRACT A manually operable yarn handling apparatus adapted to initially pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high speed and high tension. The apparatus includes a nozzle tube having an open forward end adapted to aspirate the yarn end thereinto, and an outlet tube coaxially aligned'with the rear end of the nozzle tube to define an annular orifice therebetween. An air supply arrangement is provided for directing pressurized air through the orifice to create a suction in the nozzle tube, and means is provided for manually varying the spacing between the nozzle tube and outlet tube between a first position designed to aspirate the yarn end and a second position designed to tension the yarn.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED SEP 12 m2 SHEET 1 0F 3 SPINNEBETTE- Al a COMPRESSOR,

WASTE.- COLLECTION UNIT WlNDlNG- MACHINE:

YARN HANDLING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a yarn handling apparatus adapted to pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high tension.

In the production of synthetic filament yams, it .is conventional to extrude a plurality of filaments through aspinnerette, and thencollect the filaments into one or more yarn strands. These strands are normally then drawn or stretched to impart the desired strength, and finally wound onto suitable packages. With modern equipment, the vabove steps are carried out as a continuous process, andthe yarn strands may reach linear speeds of up to 3,000-4,000 yards perminute.

As is well known by those skilled in the art, yarn strands produced by the above process occasionally break, and such breakage causes difficulties since the spinning process cannot be stopped without creating a great deal of yarn waste. To alleviate this problem it has been proposed to employ a portable yarn aspirating device which is adapted to pick up'the running yarn end and maintain-the same under'tension until it can be transferred to the winding machine. In one specific prior device, provision is made for shifting the aspirator between a first or vacuum setting wherein air is drawn into the device to facilitate yarn pickup, and a second or power setting wherein littleor no air is aspirated into the device but an increased tension is exerted on the yarn. These known devices are generally unsatisfactory, however, since they are unable to obtain the higher yarn velocities employed in modern yarn producing equipment, and they are notable to develop a tension on the yarn equal to present day winder tension levels. In addition, the known devicesemploy a rather .complicated pneumatic arrangement for shifting from the vacuum to power settings, and adjustment of these positions cannot be effected without partially disassembling the device.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable yarn handling apparatus capable of picking up a running length of yarn, and then the same under a tension equal to modern winder tension levels. I

It is a further object of the present invention to prosecond position, and a control mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the nozzle at its first position such that upon release of the mechanism the nozzle tube is automatically translated to its second position.

Some of the objectsand advantages of the invention having been stated, others will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the ac-" machine;

vide a relatively inexpensive yarn handling apparatus of the described type, and which has a relatively simple and easily actuated control mechanism for shifting from the vacuum to the power settings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a yarn handling apparatus having provision for easily adjusting both the vacuum and power settings for maximum efliciency, and which does not require the partial disassembly of the device to effect these adjustments.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved in the embodiment illustrated herein by the provision of an apparatus which comprises an air inlet tube having a closed inner end, an air outlet tube coaxially mounted the inlet tube, and a nozzle tube extending through the closed end of the inlet tube and in coaxial alignment with the outlet tube. The nozzle tube is slidably mounted in the inlet tube inner end for axial translation between a first or vacuum position closely adjacent the outlet tube and a second or power position further removed from the outlet tube. Biasing means is provided for urging the nozzle tube away from the outlet tube and toward its FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a-yarn handling apparatus embodying the features of the present invention;

, FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the front portion of theapparatus and taken substantially along the line 3- 3 of FIG. 2, the apparatus being in its vacuum position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but illustrating the device in its power setting;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of the rear portion of the apparatus and taken substantially along the line 5- 5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional'end view .taken substantially along the line 6--6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional end view taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5; p

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view, on a reduced scale, of the air outlet ,tube of theapparatus shown in-FIGS. 3-5; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the air'outlet tube.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, ayarn handling apparatus embodying the features of the present invention is shown generally at 10. In FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 is shown connected via the air supply hose l2to a conventional source of compressed air 14, and to a conventional waste unit '16 via the exhaust hose 18. As illustrated, the apparatus may for example be used in connection with a synthetic yarn producing apparatus which comprises a spinnerette 20, the drawing or stretching station 22, and winding machine 24.

Should the yarn strand breakduring the above production process, the apparatus 10'may be manually shifted as indicated in the dashed lines to pick up the running length of yarn. Once the yarn is picked up, it is tensioned in the manner hereinafter described, and manually transferred to the yarn package 25 on the winding machine. The strand may then be cut with a suitable knife or the like such that the waste yarn end is delivered to the collection unit 16.

To describe thestructural details of one embodiment of the yarn handling apparatus 10, reference is made to FIGS. 2-8. As illustrated, the pparatus comprises an air inlet tube 30 having a rear entry port 32 at one end which communicates through the elbow 34 with the the arrows. The reflector 36 is fixedly secured to the tube 30 by means of the collar 39 and pins 40, and

further includes a rear cylindrical portion 41. A cylindrical internal bore 42 extends through the reflector and is coaxial with both the tube 30 and cylindrical portion 41.

' An outlet tube 46 is fixedly mounted coaxially within the inlet tube 30 by means of the front support member 48 and rear sleeve 50. The periphery of the support member 48 is scalloped by circular channels as best seen in FIG. 6 to permit the e of air as further described below. The outlet tube 46 includes a forward open end'52 positioned adjacent the closed inner end of the inlet tube 30, the leading edge thereof including an arcuate edge surface 54, note FIGS. 3 and 4.

"A nozzle tube 60 is slidably mounted within the bore 42 of the air reflector 36 and extendsthrough the inlet tube inner end into coaxial; alignment with the outlet tube 46. The inner or rear end of thetube 60 includes a frusto-conical portion 62which extends partially into the open end 52 of the outlet'tube 46 and cooperates withthe arcuate surface 54 to define an annular orifice therebetween. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the frusto-coni- I cal portion 62 communicates with the bore of the tube 60-to provide arelatively sharp circular inner end. The

tube 60 further includes a channel 64 for mounting a circular sealing ring 65, an intermediate 1 externally threadedportion 66, and a forward portion 68 mounting a front eyelet 70 of ceramic or other low friction material. I

g A cylindrical housing 72is carried by the nozzle tube 60 as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The housing is generally tubular and includes an internally threaded portion 74 mating with the threaded portion 66 of the tube 60, and a cylindrical sleeve portion 75 closely receiving the cylindrical portion 41 of the air reflector 36. A lateral slot 76 is positioned in the side wall of the sleeve portion 75, with the slot being adapted to receive the radial pin 78 which is threadedly secured in the air reflector. By this arrangement, the housing 72 and thus the tube 60 may be laterally translated along the cylindrical portion 41 of the airreflector, the limits defined'by the slot 76. Also, the housing may be cally translated to its second or power position as seen in FIG. 4 by the biasing force exerted by the spring 91. Specifically, the control means comprises, the first shoulder 82 on the housing 72, the second shoulder .90 formed by the locking ring 84, and a pivotable latch94 carried at the forward end of the inlet tube 30. As more specifically described below, the latch 94 includes a in a vertical direction between a lower position adapted independently axially adjusted with reference to the tube by relative rotation of these two members. A

lock nut 80 is positioned on the threaded portion 66 to prevent inadvertent relative rotation.

The housing 72 further includes an enlarged cylindrical end portion 81 which defines a first radial shoulder 82-for the purposes described below. The portion 81 is externally threaded, and mounts a threaded circular ring 84. Also, the portion 81 includes a number of lateral channels 86 which are adapted to receive the locking set screw 88 ofthering 84. Thus itwill be apparent that the ring 84 may be laterally adjusted along the length of the portion 81 by releasing the set screw 88 and rotating the ring in the desired direction. When the proper podtion is determined, the ring 84 is rotated until the set screw 88overlies the closest channel 86, and then the set screw 88 is rotated into the channelto lock the relative position of these two members. The ring 84 further defines a second radial shoulder 90 along the forward. ide edge for the purposes hereinafter set forth. 130, a helical wire spring 91 is disposed about the cylindrical portion 41 of the air reflector 36 to abut the rear end of the housing 72 and thereby bias the same forwardly or toward the left as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The apparatus 10 further includes manually operable control means for releasably retaining the nozzle tube 60 at its first or vacuum position as seen in FIG. 3 such that upon release thereof the nozzle tube is automatito engage the first shoulder (shown in FIG-3) and a raised position adapted to engagea second shoulder (FIG. 4). A helical coil spring 97 is carried by the inlet tube 30 and is positioned to bias the latch 94 downwardly toward its lowered position. To pivot the latch upwardly, manually operable cable means is provided for pivoting the latch upwardly against the biasing force of the spring 97. This cable means comprises the cable 98 which extends axially along a substantial portion of the length of the inlet tube 30 within the tu-. bular case .100, the cable 98 being operatively connected to the slide 102 and trigger104. A slot 105 is provided in the rear end of the case to slidably receive the trigger. As will be apparent, the trigger 104 may be operatively engaged by the finger of the operator, and translated rearwardly along the slot 105 in the trigger case 100 to lift the latch arm 95. Engagement with the first shoulder 82 is thus released, and the housing 72 will be translated forwardly until the arm 95 engages the second shoulder 90.

FIG. 8 illustrates the overall cross sectional configuration for'the outlet tube 46. Specifically, the tube 46 comprises an outer reinforcing tube which may for example be fabricated from a metallic material such as aluminum seamless tubing. The tube 46*further includes an internal liner 112 which has a smoothly tapered internal bore 113 which increases in diameter in a direction extending away from the open end 52 at an angle A. Preferably, the angle A is sufiiciently small to maintain high air velocity throughout the length of the tube, and typically will lie between about 1 to 2 Thus, the included angle of the tapered bore 113 would be twice the angle A, or between about 2 to 4. The

liner 112 may for example be fabricated from a suitable plastic material.

FIG. 9 illustrates an outlet tube 46' which represents an alternate embodiment for. the tube 46. The tube 46' includes a similar tubular sleeve 100, but the plastic liner 112' will be seen to have an internal bore 113' comprising a number ofstepped diameter portions. This construction gives rise to turbulant air zones at each change of diameter which helps keep the yarn from dragging on the borewall and also helps keep a multi-filament yarn bundle open to gain exposed yarn surface area against which the air can pull to create higher yarn tension. The overall included angle of taper along the length of the bore in the tube 46 is generally the same as for the tube 46, and typically is between about two and four degrees.

As described above, the apparatus includes a first position or setting (shown in FIG. 3) wherein the annular orifice between the nozzle tube 60 and outlet tube 46 is relatively small to thereby provide a high velocity air flow therethrough such that air is aspirated into and through the forward end of nozzle tube 60 to facilitate the pickup of a runninglength of yarn. In the second position (shown in FIG. 4) the annular orifice is somewhat larger to thereby reduce the velocity of air flow therethrough such that little or at least substantially less air is aspirated through the nozzle tube and whereby a high tension may be exerted on the yarn after it has been picked up.

In accordance with the present invention, each of these positions may be accurately and easily tuned or adjusted for optimum efficiency. In carrying out this tuning procedure, the apparatus 10 is initially connected to the air supply 14 which may for example have a pressure of about 100 psi. The housing 72 of the nozzle tube 60 is manually pressed into the apparatus until the latch arm 95 drops over the first shoulder 82 as seen in FIG. 3. The lock nut 80 is loosened so that the nozzle tube 60 can be freely rotated within the housing 72. Using a vacuum pressure gauge placed on the eyelet 70 of the nozzle tube, the position of the nozzle tube in relation to the outlet tube 46 is adjusted by screwing the tube 60 into or out of the housing until a maximum vacuum of for example about 23 inches of mercury is obtained. The lock nut 80 is then tightened against the housing to maintain this setting. Next, the trigger 104 is pulled to release the latch 94 so that the arm 95 contacts the second shoulder 90 on the ring 84 as shown in FIG. 4. The set screw 88 is loosened so that the ring can be rotated, and the pressure gauge is again positioned at the eyelet 70. The ring 84 is then rotated until a reduced pressure of for example about 8 inches of mercury is obtained. The ring 84 is then rotated until the set screw 88 is positioned over the closest channel 86, and then it is tightened to maintain this relative position. The apparatus is then ready foroptimum operation.

In the drawings and specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed is:

1. A yarn handling apparatus for use in the production or processing of yarn strands and which is adapted to initially pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high speed and high tension, said apparatus comprising an air inlet tube defining an air entry end and a closed inner end, I an air outlet tube fixedly mounted coaxially within said air inlet tube and having an open end positioned adjacent said inlet tube closed inner end for the reception of air therefrom and the running length of yarn picked up by said apparatus,

an open ended nozzle tube for picking up and passing therethrough the running length of yarn and extending through said inlet tube closed inner end in coaxial alignment with said outlet tube and cooperating therewith to define an annular orifice therebetween,

means slidably mounting said nozzle tube in said inlet tube inner end for axial translation between a first position closely adjacent said outlet tube open end and defining a relatively small annular orifice for providing a high velocity air flow therethrough such that air is aspirated into and through the forward end of said nozzle tube to facilitate the vacuum pickup of a running length of yarn, and a second position farther removed from said outlet tube open end and defining a somewhat larger annular orifice for reducing the velocity of air flow therethrough such that substantially less air is aspirated into and through said nozzle tube and so that a high tension is exerted on yarn passing through said outlet tube after pickup,

means for resiliently biasing said nozzle tube from said first toward said second position, and

manually operable control means for releasably retaining said nozzle tube at said first position for yarn pickup and such that upon release thereof said nozzle tube is automatically translated to said second position by said biasing means for pulling the yarn at high speed and high tension.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for slidably mounting said nozzle tube includes an external housing carried by said nozzle tube, and

saidcontrol means includes a first shoulder on said external housing, a second shoulder on said external housing and axially spaced from said first shoulder, and a pivotable latch carried by said air inlet tube and adapted to selectively engage said first shoulder to retain said nozzle tube at said first position or said second shoulder to retain said nozzle tube at said second position.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for resiliently biasing said nozzle tube toward said second position comprises a helical spring interposed between said external housing and said air inlet tube closed inner end.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further including means for selectively and independently adjusting the axial position of said first and second shoulders relative to said nozzle tube such that said first and second positions may thereby be independently adjusted to vary the extent of said annular orifice at each of said positions.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said second shoulder comprises a ring carried by said external housing, and said means for selectively and independently adjusting said shoulders comprises a threaded interconnection between said external housing and said nozzle tube and a threaded interconnection between said ring and said external housing.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said second shoulder is positioned radially above said first shoulder, and said latch is pivotable for movement in a vertical direction between a lower position adapted to engage said first shoulder and a raised position adapted to engage said second shoulder.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said control means further includes a spring positioned to bias said latch toward its lower position, and manually operable cable means for pivoting said latch toward said raised position against the biasing force of said spring.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said outlet tube includes a smoothly tapered internal bore increasing in diameter in a direction away from said open end at an included angle of between about 2 to 4 for maintaining high air velocity therethrough.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said outlet tube includes an internal bore having stepped diameter portions adapted to create a zone of air turbulance at each change in diameter.

10. A yarn handling apparatus for use in the production or processing of yarn strands and which is adapted to initially pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high speed and high tension, said apparatus comprising an air inlet tube defining an air entry end and a closed inner end, means for directing pressurized air into said entry end of said inlet tube,

an air outlet tube fixedly mounted coaxially within said air inlet tube and having an open end positioned adjacent said inlet tube closed inner end for reception of air therefrom and the running length of yarn picked up by said apparatus,

an open ended nozzle tube' for picking up and passing therethrough the running length of yarn and extending through said inlet tube closed inner end in coaxial alignment with said outlet tube and having a frusto-conical inner end portion at least partially entering said outlet tube open end to define an annular orifice therebetween,

means slidably mounting said nozzle tube in said inlet tube inner end for axial translation between a first position wherein said annular orifice is relatively small to thereby provide a high velocity air flow therethrough such that air is aspirated into and through said nozzle tube to facilitate the vacuum pickup of a running length of yarn and a second position wherein said nozzle tube is farther removed from said outlet tube open end and said annularv orifice is somewhat larger to thereby reduce the velocity of air flow therethrough such that substantially less air is aspirated into and through said nozzle tube and a high tension is exerted on the yarn passing through said outlet tube after pickup,

means for resiliently biasing said nozzle tube from said first toward said second position, and

manually operable control means for releasably retaining said nozzle tube at said first position for yarn pickup and such that upon release thereof said nozzle tube is automatically translated to said second position by said biasing means for pulling the yarn at high speed and high tension. 

1. A yarn handling apparatus for use in the production or processing of yarn strands and which is adapted to initially pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high speed and high tension, said apparatus comprising an air inlet tube defining an air entry end and a closed inner end, an air outlet tube fixedly mounted coaxially within said air inlet tube and having an open end positioned adjacent said inlet tube closed inner end for the reception of air therefrom and the running length of yarn picked up by said apparatus, an open ended nozzle tube for picking up and passing therethrough the running length of yarn and extending through said inlet tube closed inner end in coaxial alignment with said outlet tube and cooperating therewith to define an annular orifice therebetween, means slidably mounting said nozzle tube in said inlet tube inner end for axial translation between a first position closely adjacent said outlet tube open end and defining a relatively small annular orifice for providing a high velocity air flow therethrough such that air is aspirated into and through the forward end of said nozzle tube to facilitate the vacuum pickup of a running length of yarn, and a second position farther removed from said outlet tube open end and defining a somewhat larger annular orifice for reducing the velocity of air flow therethrough such that substantially less air is aspirated into and through said nozzle tube and so that a high tension is exerted on yarn passing through said outlet tube after pickup, means for resiliently biasing said nozzle tube from said first toward said second position, and manually operable control means for releasably retaining said nozzle tube at said first position for yarn pickup and such that upon release thereof said nozzle tube is automatically translated to said second position by said biasing means for pulling the yarn at high speed and high tension.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for slidably mounting said nozzle tube includes an external housing carried by said nozzle tube, and said control means includes a first shoulder on said external housing, a second shoulder on said external housing and axially spaced from said first shoulder, and a pivotable latch carried by said air inlet tube and adapted to selectively engage said first shoulder to retain said nozzle tube at said first position or said second shoulder to retain said nozzle tube at said second position.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for resiliently biasing said nozzle tube toward said second position comprises a helical spring interposed betweEn said external housing and said air inlet tube closed inner end.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further including means for selectively and independently adjusting the axial position of said first and second shoulders relative to said nozzle tube such that said first and second positions may thereby be independently adjusted to vary the extent of said annular orifice at each of said positions.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said second shoulder comprises a ring carried by said external housing, and said means for selectively and independently adjusting said shoulders comprises a threaded interconnection between said external housing and said nozzle tube and a threaded interconnection between said ring and said external housing.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said second shoulder is positioned radially above said first shoulder, and said latch is pivotable for movement in a vertical direction between a lower position adapted to engage said first shoulder and a raised position adapted to engage said second shoulder.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said control means further includes a spring positioned to bias said latch toward its lower position, and manually operable cable means for pivoting said latch toward said raised position against the biasing force of said spring.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said outlet tube includes a smoothly tapered internal bore increasing in diameter in a direction away from said open end at an included angle of between about 2* to 4* for maintaining high air velocity therethrough.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said outlet tube includes an internal bore having stepped diameter portions adapted to create a zone of air turbulance at each change in diameter.
 10. A yarn handling apparatus for use in the production or processing of yarn strands and which is adapted to initially pick up a running length of yarn and then pull the same at high speed and high tension, said apparatus comprising an air inlet tube defining an air entry end and a closed inner end, means for directing pressurized air into said entry end of said inlet tube, an air outlet tube fixedly mounted coaxially within said air inlet tube and having an open end positioned adjacent said inlet tube closed inner end for reception of air therefrom and the running length of yarn picked up by said apparatus, an open ended nozzle tube for picking up and passing therethrough the running length of yarn and extending through said inlet tube closed inner end in coaxial alignment with said outlet tube and having a frusto-conical inner end portion at least partially entering said outlet tube open end to define an annular orifice therebetween, means slidably mounting said nozzle tube in said inlet tube inner end for axial translation between a first position wherein said annular orifice is relatively small to thereby provide a high velocity air flow therethrough such that air is aspirated into and through said nozzle tube to facilitate the vacuum pickup of a running length of yarn and a second position wherein said nozzle tube is farther removed from said outlet tube open end and said annular orifice is somewhat larger to thereby reduce the velocity of air flow therethrough such that substantially less air is aspirated into and through said nozzle tube and a high tension is exerted on the yarn passing through said outlet tube after pickup, means for resiliently biasing said nozzle tube from said first toward said second position, and manually operable control means for releasably retaining said nozzle tube at said first position for yarn pickup and such that upon release thereof said nozzle tube is automatically translated to said second position by said biasing means for pulling the yarn at high speed and high tension. 